Information from East Coast Pilot and the local branch of the Cruising Association:
Over the winter, the main entrance has become even more shallow, and even the local fishing boats (which draw around 3 to 4 feet) are waiting for the tide to rise about 2 feet before attempting the entrance.
The shingle knolls to the East side of the entrance have been flattened out, and no longer show at high water - you can usually see them by the broken water on the tops, but it can be confusing to know exactly where they are, especially when the tide is turning at high water.
The main entrance has also moved, and the Red can buoys no longer show the best water.
Finally, the green buoy with conical topmark (Mid Knoll) was damaged in the strong winds last Wednesday (9 March), and has been withdrawn, with no replacement at present.
To sum up, I would strongly suggest that anyone trying to enter the river at present gets some local knowledge before coming in.
John White, the local HM and ECP Honorary Port Pilot for the Deben, says it’s vital for skippers to call him before attempting the entrance. He has found only 0.7m at LWS in the entrance. He can be contacted on 07803 476621.
